This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.

Here Comes Silent E, by Anna Jane Hays, illustrated by Joann Adinolfi. Silent E is a little boy who gets into phonics trouble. His presence changes the sounds of words! A great book to teach kids phonics.. Grades K-2.


Case of The Elevator Duck, by Polly Berrien Berends. Gilbert is an eleven-year-old detective in training. He spends his spare time trying to solve mysteries in his housing project. One day he discovers a duck riding with him in the elevator! Animals are not allowed in the housing project, so he must figure out where the duck comes from before the housing inspector throws Gilbert’s family out! Grades 3-4.


Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park. Tree-ear is an orphan boy struggling for survival in twelfth-century Korea. His curiosity for the master potter’s craft and the accidental destruction of one of his pieces transports him to a world he never imagined. When Tree-ear is sent on a dangerous and long journey to the King’s Court, his wisdom and courage are put to the ultimate test. Grades 5-6.